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WOODS CROSS — Woods Cross’ boys basketball team wrapped up a Region 5 championship on Friday night with its 75-49 win over Ogden.
But earlier in the week, the Wildcats showed themselves to be even bigger champions.
The team held a skills camp and special all-star game for children with special needs, proving that champions are made both on and off the court.
“We’ve done it every year,” said Cameron Allen, a Woods Cross senior who organized this year’s event. “Last year, I ran the event for my Eagle Scout project and the year before one of my best fiends ran it. He gave me the idea to do it.”
Allen averages 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, who are led by Cal signee Trevin Knell’s 26.25 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
But for one afternoon, neither of them were the stars of their home court.
“Being a basketball player, I’m so blessed to be able to play,” Allen said. “We love giving people with less opportunity the chance to play. We go through skills … and then we have a game, and it’s so fun.”
Don’t think the Woods Cross basketball players aren't getting something out of what is becoming an annual tradition.
“The team learns selflessness,” Allen said. “We’re all so blessed to be in such a nice community, and to be able to play a team sport. But this is pure selflessness. I love it.”
The Wildcats wrap up the regular season with road trips to East and Bonneville surrounding senior night against Highland at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17. prior to the Class 4A state playoffs.
But no matter how many more wins they rack up this year, they’ve already pulled out arguably the biggest victory.
“Seeing how happy they (the special needs kids) are when they are out here is so awesome,” Allen said. “Everyone loves it. I don’t know a bad thing you can say about this. It’s amazing.”
